Today the school delivers lessons over an area covering more than 750,000 square kilometres via satellite (as most of the areas out this way still do not have mobile reception capabilities) using the internet and landline telephones. For sentimental reasons they are still referred to as 'air lessons'.

Although the parents and students who I spoke to on my travels regarding School of the Air education, raved about the amazing support they receive from their passionate and professional teachers, unfortunately these isolated children do not get to experience many of the social opportunities that conventional school children enjoy.

The School of the Air students who live out along the Nullarbor are affectionately known as 'The Little Wombats'.

The above photograph was taken on Jessica's compact camera from the window of a rusty car wreck on the Forrest track, in 2010. It even won a national school based photo competition.

Jessica's image hangs on the wall of the Eucla Motel and each time I was in the dining room for dinner I found myself drawn to it.

I was absolutely delighted when I walked up to the wall one night and read on the small laminated sign under it, that I could purchase a canvas copy.

Proceeds from the sale of the image are used to support 'The Little Wombats' in creating more interactive group activities at various locations across the Nullarbor for these special children.

Unfortunately the few days I was in Eucla clashed with a school camp Jessica was attending with the other 'Little Wombats' in Kalgoorlie, so I was unable to meet her face to face. I did however get to meet her Dad when my travelling partner, Tara De Landgrafft (ABC Goldfields-Esperance Rural and Resources Reporter) met up with the Eucla Police for a story.

Jessica's Dad, Constable Andrew Norton, seems to have passed his passion for photography onto his daughter. Andrew was once a professional police photographer but now prefers to capture the candid images of his family, as well as the incredibly unique and expansive landscapes where his family currently lives.

A copy of Jessica's image now resides in my office, a fitting place I reckon as it's a continual reminder of my road trip out along the Nullarbor Plain and the reason why I love my job so much...

I feel incredibly privileged to be able to educate and facilitate the people living in this vast region, like Jessica, on how to use technology so they can tell and share their own unique stories through the ABC.

I'm looking forward to seeing some more content from 'The Little Wombats' of the Nullarbor in the future, as I'm sure are you...

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Comments

Carina

Great story thanks Serena for showcasing Kalgoorlie School of The Air. As a parent of three Kal SOTA students for the past 9 years I can attest it is a wonderful school that not only focusses on individuals students needs, with great success but has provided many wonderful opportunities for its students. The school community is a strong vibrant and fun group.
This year Kal SOTA is celebrating its 50th year. The weekend of the 29th September will see the official celebrations take place with a formal cocktail evening followed by an open day at the School.
The majority of Kal SOTA families are also members of the Kalgoorlie Air branch of the Isolated Children's Parents' Association a national bodythat seeks to ensure access to appropriate educational opportunities for all rural families. The State body, ICPA WA, has reached a milestone this year as well and on the 23rd March is all set to celebrate 40 years of lobbying to ensure that kids in the bush are getting the best deal educationally. The Premier will be Opening the Conference and Dr Ros Worthington is the guest speaker. Hot topics will include the move to secondary school for Year 7's. www.icpa.com.au

Robyn Fisher

Fantastic piece of art, well done Jessica
Robyn fisher

Serena Shaddick

Thanks Geoff - it's always great for our contributors to receive comments, especially from such well known photographers like yourself. Thanks for sharing.

Geoff Fisher

A delightful image which will more than likely have a significant impact on how Jessica sees future picture possibilities. Everyone's reaction to her creation will open her eyes to a world full of opportunity. Keep up the creative process Jess.